The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has matriculated over 7,000 students into its various academic programs for the 2024/2025 academic session, warning the new students against cultism and examination malpractice.
The Former Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, in her address, congratulated the students on their admission and urged them to embrace hard work and discipline to excel in their academic pursuits.
In her words, she said “I salute your courage and steadfastness in choosing the University of Abuja as your first choice and working hard to gain admission into this highly sought-after institution, considering that over 38,000 applicants vied for the 7,794 available slots.
“I assure you that you will not regret your choice, provided you put in the necessary hard work in your studies and maintain the discipline required to excel and graduate from the University of Abuja,” she stated.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended the parents and guardians in attendance, emphasizing the importance of their continued support and supervision.
“Today’s event marks only the beginning of your children’s and wards’ journey in this citadel of learning. I urge you to constantly monitor their academic progress alongside their moral conduct while they study at the university,” she advised.
While reaffirming the university’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment, Professor Maikudi cautioned students against involvement in cultism, examination malpractice, squatting in hostels, and other forms of misconduct.
“The signing of the matriculation oath formalizes the commitment between the students and the university. Any breach of this oath constitutes disobedience or disregard for the regulations and carries severe consequences, including suspension or expulsion from the university,” she warned.
“For its part, the University of Abuja has zero tolerance for all acts of indiscipline, including cultism, sexual harassment, examination misconduct, and squatting in hostels, among others,” she added.
Professor Maikudi encouraged students to familiarize themselves with the university’s rules and regulations, stressing that ignorance would not be accepted as an excuse for any violations.
“The published student handbook should be your guide because ignorance will not be an excuse for any misconduct or infractions within the system,” she noted.
Emphasizing the university’s diverse community, she urged students to foster unity and mutual respect, regardless of their backgrounds.
“I encourage all students of the University of Abuja to freely interact and treat one another as brothers and sisters, in line with our core values of unity and scholarship. Our university community truly reflects the Nigerian Federation, as all sections of the country are represented in both staff and student composition.
“Hence, it is our collective responsibility to promote harmony by avoiding actions that could divide us along religious, ethnic, or gender lines,” she emphasized.
She further reminded students that the university awards degrees based on both character and academic performance, with the authority to withdraw such degrees if recipients are found unworthy.
“It is important to note that students earn their degrees based on both character and academic excellence. However, degrees awarded by the university can be withdrawn at any time if the recipient is deemed unworthy. This means that, as you are matriculated today, your engagement with the University of Abuja is a lifelong commitment that must be nurtured with diligence and discipline,” she said.
The new students were administered the matriculation oath by the acting registrar of the university, Islamiyat Abdul-Rahim.
The event, which marked Professor Maikudi’s first matriculation ceremony since her appointment as Vice-Chancellor just over a month ago, was attended by principal officers, deans, heads of departments, and distinguished guests from far and near.
